Meet Jee Su Kim | Photographer & Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jee Su Kim and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jee Su, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’ve always had a passion for fine art and a deep respect for artists since I was little. Creating something has always been very rewarding for me, and those moments have made me feel the most alive. The idea that what I create is an extension of myself, something uniquely mine and irreplicable by others, is what makes it so exciting and fuels my ongoing passion for the arts to this day.

z

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

I am a documentary and fine art photographer, though I resonate more with the title of visual storyteller or photo-based artist. I’m also a part-time editorial and fashion freelance photographer. I hold a BFA in Photography and a minor in Film/Television from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Currently, I am serving as the artistic operations manager and assistant curator at the Atlanta Photography Group (APG) gallery.

As a multicultural individual—a South Korean photo-based artist based in Atlanta, GA, born in the UK, and raised in China—my photography revolves around themes of identity, belonging, otherness, cultural homelessness, human connections, and displacement. My camera is drawn to capturing individuals and communities who have grappled with experiences related to these themes, showcasing how they uniquely define their own stories. My goal is to expand my reach within these communities and capture their stories by shedding light on their often-overlooked narratives.

I love capturing the poetry in real-life moments and documenting the surreal in reality. The subject, the story, and the emotional drive behind it are all very important aspects that make up my photographic work. Whether it is through a single photo or series in a photo book, my work is all about creating an experience for the viewer. I pay close attention to how to successfully translate or convey a certain story or emotion through my visual language.

I often struggle when I think I don’t have enough stories to tell or photograph. However, I’ve come to realize that there is always a wealth of narratives waiting to be uncovered, and as a photographer, it’s my duty to actively seek out the stories and people. This is one of the most important lessons I have learned as a visual storyteller, and I think that is exactly what a photographer should do.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Atlanta is a cool, artsy city. I’d say definitely take them to the Atlanta Beltline, where they can check out diverse street art and murals. Then, maybe visit Piedmont Park or Morningside Nature Preserve, perfect for a refreshing hike or a picturesque picnic. Especially for nature enthusiasts, I would recommend the Georgia Aquarium or the Botanical Garden as well. Whether one’s an art lover or not, a visit to the High Museum of Art is a must, as it is one of the largest and most renowned museums in America.

For some entertainment, buy some tickets to visit the Fox Theatre or Symphony Hall to experience some unforgettable performances! Also, if there’s time, explore West Midtown, where there are many charming shops, restaurants, coffee shops, and bars. In the mood for shopping? Visit Atlantic Station, Ponce City Market, or Lenox Mall, each offering a diverse selection of shops and eateries.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

First, shoutout to my parents for always being so encouraging and supportive of what I want to pursue. They’ve built an environment where I could cherish a variety of experiences and gain inspirations that fostered my creativity as an artist. Thank you to my big sister—my best friend, life teacher, resource, and model—for being so motivational and being there for me during tough times. Without her, I wouldn’t have had the courage to keep working my way to the place I am here today.

Big shoutout to Hong Ha-ja, my grandmother, the biggest turning point in my photographic career. Thank you for allowing me to capture the most vulnerable parts of you and your story in my camera. Without her, the handmade artist photo book called “Ha Ja” would simply not exist, which won 1st place in SCAD Libraries’ Annual Artists’ Book Competition 2023, achieved an honorable mention from Tokyo International Foto Awards 2023 in the Book Fine Art category, and is now part of the Savannah College of Art and Design Library Atlanta Special Collections. I’ve never felt so fulfilled as a photographer. She gave me the reason as to why I had to be a photographer and what kind of photographer I had to become.

I would like to briefly mention the painter and my high-school art teacher, Cynthia Mora. I still remember her saying, “Corazon, [art] is like cooking!” I am grateful for such early mentorship, which went beyond teaching me artistic techniques to helping me grasp the philosophy behind creation. Even now, I find myself reflecting on her words when I plan my photography projects. Photography is indeed like cooking in many ways! To capture my vision, I must meticulously construct a scene, considering elements such as subjects, lighting, composition, and more. When every element falls into place seamlessly, a compelling photograph emerges!

I would also like to express my gratitude to all my photo professors and peers at Savannah College of Art and Design. When I look at my current work compared to when I first started at SCAD, I’m amazed at how much I’ve grown as a photographer. They all played a crucial role in helping me find my artistic voice and expanding my perspective in photography.

Special thanks to Yu Sheng Liu, who was the teaching assistant in one of my fine art photography classes at SCAD and later served as the artistic operations manager at Atlanta Photography Group (APG). He introduced me to APG and provided me with the opportunity to exhibit my work in a gallery space for the first time. Through him, I discovered a whole new world of fine art photography and developed a passion for exhibitions. Now, as the current artistic operations manager at APG, I am thrilled to curate the upcoming show in May 2024 titled “Eyes on Atlanta: Asian Contemporary Photography”!

Speaking of Atlanta Photography Group, shoutout to the APG team for welcoming me on board. I’d also like to extend my gratitude to all the APG members, curators, and jurors I’ve had the privilege of getting to know.

Another shoutout to Dasom Choi, an exceptional interdisciplinary artist and curator. She gave me the opportunity to debut my work in South Korea at the International Group Exhibition held at the ‘Artspace I: SEAK’ gallery in Seoul. I will also be part of her upcoming curated summer show alongside many talented artists. I’m incredibly thankful to her for recognizing my work and offering me such wonderful opportunities!

Lastly, shoutout to all my friends, models, and the people I’ve collaborated with for their unwavering respect, love, and support. They are all such great admiring artists and photographers themselves, and I would like to thank them for always encouraging me and helping to bring my creative vision to life!

Website: https://www.kimjeesu.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeesu_kim/ and https://www.instagram.com/jsufoto/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jee-su-kim

Image Credits
All photos courtesy of Jee Su Kim Photography. All Rights Reserved.
Credits to fashion designers Tanae Tate and Soyeong Kim.